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At least 577 records · Page 32

Equations and approximations involved in computing vertical wind velocities from superpressure balloon data

Superpressure, or constant-level, balloons have long been used to obtain horizontal wind velocities in the atmosphere. This paper presents equations which can be used to evaluate omega, the vertical wind component in pressure coordinates, from on-board pressure and temperature sensors. These equations take into account the short-term displacements of a balloon from its equilibrium density level, and thus they do not assume that the balloon precisely maintains constant density. The longer-term and larger-amplitude diurnal oscillations in balloon level, and also an approximation used in deriving the vertical velocity equations, are both discussed in some detail. These equations can be used to obtain quantitative estimates of omega if reasonable estimates of the ambient lapse rate could be obtained.

Banta, R. M.↗

Attaching strain gages by ultrasonic plastic welding

Technique employs application of pressure and ultrasound to effect welding of encapsulated strain gates to metallic surfaces. Process requires no heat or adhesives. Technique might also be used to simplify curing of epoxy adhesives and for attachment problems like bonding cryogenic temperature sensors to structural parts.

Sheppard, A. T.↗

Direct-heating solar-collector dump valve

Five-port ganged valve isolates collector from primary load system pressure and drains collectors, allowing use of direct heating with all its advantages. Valve is opened and closed by same switch that controls pump or by temperature sensor set at O C, while providing direct dump option.

Howikman, T. C.↗

Characterization of IRAS doped silicon detectors

Data are presented from a range of operating conditions which include background photo flux, operating temperature, and frequency. Each detector is equipped with a load resistor, a cryogenic field effect transistor preamplifier, and a temperature sensor. Data are also presented of detector signal, noise spectra, noise equivalent power, and spectral response.

Source record↗

Liquid cooled brassiere and method of diagnosing malignant tumors therewith

A device for enhancing the detection of malignant tissue in the breasts of a woman was described. A brassiere-like garment which is fitted with a pair of liquid-perfused cooling panels which completely and compliantly cover the breasts and upper torso was studied. The garment is connected by plastic tubing to a liquid cooling system comprising a fluid pump, a solenoid control valve for controlling the flow of fluid to either the cooling unit or the heating unit, a fluid reservoir, a temperature sensor in the reservoir, and a restrictor valve to control the pressure in the garment inlet cooling line.

Elkins, W.↗

LSA Large Area Silicon Sheet Task Continuous Liquid Feed Czochralski Growth

A process for the continuous growth of crystals by the Czochralski method, suitable for producing single silicon crystals for use in solar cells was studied. Continuous growth is the growth of 100 Kg of single silicon crystals, 10 cm in diameter, from one container. A furnace with continuous liquid replenishment of the growth crucible, accomplished by a melt-down system and a liquid transfer mechanism, with associated automatic feedback controls was developed. Elements of the transfer system were further developed and tested during actual transfer runs. Considerable simplification of the heating element of the transfer tube was achieved. Accuracy and reliability of the temperature sensor, which is part of the power input control system for the transfer tube, was improved. Electrical and thermal effectiveness were increased while assembly of the transfer tube system was further simplified.

Fiegl, G.↗

Diurnal variations of the Martian surface layer meteorological parameters during the first 45 sols at two Viking Lander sites

Wind speed, ambient and surface temperatures from both Viking Landers have been used to compute bulk Richardson numbers and Monin-Obukhov lengths during the earliest phase of the Mars missions. These parameters are used to estimate drag and heat transfer coefficients, friction velocities and surface heat fluxes at the two sites. The principal uncertainty is in the specification of the roughness length. Maximum heat fluxes occur near local noon at both sites, and are estimated to be in the range 15-20 W/sq m at the Viking 1 site and 10-15 W/sq m at the Viking 2 site. Maximum values of friction velocity occur in late morning at Viking 1 and are estimated to be 0.4-0.6 m/s. They occur shortly after dawn at the Viking 2 site where peak values are estimated to be in the range 0.25-0.35 m/s. Extension of these calculations to later times during the mission will require allowance for dust opacity effects in the estimation of surface temperature and in the correction of radiation errors of the Viking 2 temperature sensor.

Sutton, J. L.↗

Gravity waves from thunderstorms

Gravity waves generated by severe thunderstorms in the eastern Ohio-Pennsylvania area were recorded by an array of microbarovariographs at Palisades, New York and by standard microbarographs across northeastern United States. The waves were associated with the cold mesohigh from the outflow of the thunderstorms. Along their path the waves apparently triggered new thunderstorms. The waves were observed to propagate with the velocity of the wind just below the tropopause. The long-distance propagation of the waves is explained by the presence of a dust associated with the critical level (steering level), in agreement with the derivations given by Lindzen and Tung (1976). The dust was directional and waves were absent to the west of the generating area. In the generating area wave-CISK might have been operating. Sharp vertical temperature gradients associated with the passage of the waves were observed by temperature sensors on a tower.

Balachandran, N. K.↗

Monitoring Crystal Growth From Solution

Experimental system for monitoring growth of triglycine sulfate (TGS) crystals from solution is being studied. System consists of outer cell containing distilled water heated and stirred to maintain constant temperature to within plus or minus 0.1 degrees C, inner (growth) cell containing supersaturated solution of TGS, and seed crystal mounted in plastic-covered stainless-steel sting equiped with controlled cooling mechanism and temperature sensors.

Lal, R. B.↗

Advanced radiative cooler with angled shields

Recent demands for spaceborne sensor temperatures below 90 K are exceeding the capabilities of present passive radiative cooler designs. To improve cooling performance, a novel technique was developed to radiatively and conductively isolate the radiating plate from the spacecraft using low-emittance, highly specular angled radiation shields. An experimental test of the new shield concept verified its effectiveness and enabled calibration of a detailed thermal model. Based on the concept test results, performance predictions show that the Advanced Radiator can achieve lower temperatures, deliver more cooling power and be smaller and lighter than the best state-of-the-art coolers.

Bard, S.↗

The in-flight performance of the Solar Maximum Mission Electrical Power System

Circuitry, power handling, and operational characteristics and anomalies of the Electrical Power System (EPS) of the Solar Maximum Mission are discussed. The EPS is designed as a standard unit to be a candidate for use on future space missions. Blown, improperly derated fuses in the Attitude Control System and the Signal Conditioning Assembly have led to switching to magnetrons for solar angle, with a loss of accuracy, and a loss of one-half of telemetry data, respectively. In addition, reasons for an 11-14% degradation of solar array output are uncertain due to the loss of precise attitude control. Current surges to peak at 76.5 A (down from 94.5 A) at sunrise, stays for four to five minutes, then resumes nominal output for the remainder of the 61-68 daytime period. Eclipse varies between 28 and 35 minutes, with corresponding depth of discharge of 14%. The batteries charge at 20 A, and although an overcharge mode has been continuously sensed, operation has been normal and temperature sensors have not indicated overcharge; cell failure has also not been sensed. The system has a two year design life and a desired life of four years.

Broderick, R. J.↗

STS-3/OSS-1 Plasma Diagnostics Package (PDP) measurements of the temperature pressure and plasma

Designed to withstand the thermal extremes of the STS-3 mission through the use of heaters and thermal blankets, the plasma diagnostics package sat on the release/engagement mechanism on the OSS-1 payload pallet without a coldplate and was attached to the RMS for two extended periods. Plots show temperature versus mission elapsed time for two temperature sensors. Pressure in the range of 10 to the -3 power torr and 10 to the -7 power torr, measured 3 inches from the skin of the package is plotted against GMT during the mission. The most distinctive feature of the pressure profile is the modulation at the obit period. It was found that pressure peaks when the atmospheric gas is rammed into the cargo bay. Electric and magnetic noise spectra and time variability due to orbiter systems, UHF and S-band transmitter field strengths, and measurements of the ion spectra obtained both in the cargo bay and during experiments are plotted.

Shawhan, S. D.↗

Hypersonic shock tunnel heat transfer tests of the Space Shuttle SILTS pod configuration

Heat transfer measurements have been made on a 0.0175-scale NASA Space Shuttle orbiter model having a simulated SILTS (Shuttle Infrared Leeside Temperature Sensor) pod on top of the vertical tail. Heat transfer distributions were measured both on the pod and on the vertical tail. The test program covered Mach numbers of 8, 11 and 16 in air, at Reynolds numbers from 100,000 to 18 million, based on model length. The angle of attack ranged from 30 deg to 40 deg at sideslip angles from -2 to +2 deg. Data were obtained with 92 thin film assistance thermometers located on the SILTS pod and on the upper 30 percent of the vertical tail. Heat transfer rates measured on the vertical tail show good agreement with flight data obtained from missions STS-1, -2 and -3. The variation of heat transfer to the pod with Reynolds number, Mach number and angle of attack is discussed.

Wittliff, C. E.↗

Ablative thermal protection systems

The procedures used to establish the TPS (thermal protection system) design of the SRB (solid rocket booster) element of the Space Shuttle vehicle are discussed. A final evaluation of the adequacy of this design will be made from data obtained from the first five Shuttle flights. Temperature sensors installed at selected locations on the SRB structure covered by the TPS give information as a function of time throughout the flight. Anomalies are to be investigated and computer design thermal models adjusted if required. In addition, the actual TPS ablator material loss is to be measured after each flight and compared with analytically determined losses. The analytical methods of predicting ablator performance are surveyed.

Vaniman, J.↗

Advances in cryogenic engineering. Volume 27 - Proceedings of the Cryogenic Engineering Conference, San Diego, CA, August 11-14, 1981

Applications of superconductivity are considered, taking into account MHD and fusion, generators, transformers, transmission lines, magnets for physics, cryogenic techniques, electrtronics, and aspects of magnet stability. Advances related to heat transfer in He I are discussed along with subjects related to theat transfer in He II, refrigeration of superconducting systems, refrigeration and liquefaction, dilution and magnetic refrigerators, refrigerators for space applications, mass transfer and flow phenomena, and the properties of fluids. Developments related to cryogenic applications are also explored, giving attention to bulk storage and transfer of cryogenic fluids, liquefied natural gas operations, space science and technology, and cryopumping. Topics related to cryogenic instrumentation and controls include the production and use of high grade silicon diode temperature sensors, the choice of strain gages for use in a large superconducting alternator, microprocessor control of cryogenic pressure, and instrumentation, data acquisition and reduction for a large spaceborne helium dewar.

Fast, R. W.↗

Low-Stress Sealing of Pressure Transducers

Compliant washer seals high pressures without excessive compressive stress on transducer. Conformal washer serves as effective seal for transducer passing through walls of pressure vessel. Washer makes it unnecessary to tighten mounting nut to high torque, which could damage transducer or adversely affect accuracy. Washer also used to seal mountings for temperature sensors and other devices.

Kroy, R. E.↗

Cascade variable-conductance heat pipe (A0076)

The objective is to verify the capability of a cascade variable conductance heat pipe (CVCHP) system to provide precise temperature control of long life spacecraft without the need for a feedback heater or other power sources for temperature adjustment under conditions of widely varying power input and ambient environment. Solar energy is the heat source and space the heat sink for thermally loading two series connected variable conductance heat pipes. Electronics and power supply equipment requirements are minimal. A 7.5 V lithium battery supplies the power for thermistor type temperature sensors for monitoring system performance, and a 28 V lithium battery supplies power for valve actuation.

Grote, M. G.↗

Noncontacting Measurement With a Thermocouple

Tentlike covering brings thermocouple to within few degrees of surface temperature. Technique originally developed for measuring surface temperature of quartz fabric under radiant heating requires no direct contact with heated surface. Technique particularly useful when measuring surface temperatures of materials damaged if thermocouple or other temperature sensor attached.

Weatherill, W. T.↗